SURF Experiences Summer 2011

7 weeks later and I am now back home. It is amazing the difference that the dance program has made in the Land O’ Lakes Community. This last week was the last week of the second session and the students and families were not shy about expressing how thankful they were that they could be a part of the LOLA Summer Dance Program. I believe that helping to fulfill this task was a truly amazing and unique experience. Most of the time when you do something to make a change for the better, you don’t get the chance to hear the thank you’s and how much you made a difference, but that was not the case up in Land O’ Lakes. I received more acceptance and gratitude than I could have ever imagined and it makes me even more excited to make sure that the program is able to continue in years to come. Not only am I excited to keep it going for the community in northern Wisconsin, but  also to give more Whitewater students the opportunity to share and be part of the wonderful experience that I had. Barb and I have already talked to board members of LOLA on ways to keep the program going and possible funding/grants, but there is still much to do. The teaching aspect of the project is over for summer and now it is time to continue working on how to sustain such a program in a smaller community where there are limits on funding and monies. I have encountered several amazing people this summer that won’t be forgotten. I would like to end this blog by giving one more warm thank you to Seth for taking time to stop by class. It was great to see a familiar face and be able to talk afterward about different experiences. Hope you enjoyed the area! It is one that I hope to see again

Hm, Once again I tried to upload photos, but it is saying that it exceeds the amount of space for this site. Is anybody else having this problem?

I am sitting here at the school and am about to teach my last Monday/Wednesday classes for the summer. We have our final showings and I can tell the students are really excited. Now that I am nearing being in Land O’ Lakes for 7 weeks, I almost can’t believe it. I have met so many amazing people, got to know the town, and worked with such wonderful students who have challenged me to be the best I can be.  Two weeks ago, I participated in a powwow with Lawrence and Jackie and tomorrow morning I am heading out to the reservation to teach a jazz/hip hop workshop to anybody who is interested. I learned so much more about their culture and life than I could ever imagine and I am excited to offer them a free workshop to get them moving. I heard a rumor that within the next couple of nights that the northern lights might be coming out so I might try to check them out tonight down by the lake! I am so glad that I have been given this opportunity that I will never forget! Until next time!

I am sitting in the school, where I just realized that they have internet, and thinking about how quick this summer is going. It seems like just yesterday that I was packing my car for the great journey to Land O’ Lakes and now I only have 2 weeks left to go until dance is over. I am really proud of how smoothly the second session is running.  All of the dancers get along, have fun in class, and love to ask a lot of questions. It makes class that much more enjoyable! Last Thursday night, Barb and I headed to the reservation in Lac du Flambeau to participate in a powwow. I think I danced just as much as the actual dancers. I learned no much not only about their dances and regalia, but also how every dance has a story and how it relates to their overall culture. Well I must peace out. Class starts in 10 minutes! Until next time! Hope everyone is well!

The second session is off to a great start! There have been a few minor issues, but nothing that we couldn’t handle. All of the new students are so excited to learn and the parents are ecstatic that there is a program offered so close to home! I worked during the weekend to type up the results from the first session’s questionnaires. There were both positive and negative comments which I appreciate. I believe that it is crucial to have both positive and negative because you have to have something to grow from. I look at negative comments as a challenge and use them to improve myself, which I can see in my teaching already.

Last night, Barb and I took a trip to the Lac Vieux Desert reservation to meet with two of the tribe’s dancers. We met at the dancing grounds where they have their pow wows and other spiritual dances. I learned so much more than I could ever imagine about not only dance, but also different beliefs. They shared several stories that were so personal and you could tell meant so much to them. Watch for another post in the near future with more details! And I must report, there was a close call with seeing a bear! Sadly, by the time that we turned around to see it, it had run off into the woods! Hopefully next time

This week marks the end of the first three week session of dance classes. Creative Movement and Ballet/Tap had their final showing of their dances yesterday at the end of class. It went great! Families came to watch their little ones and brought flowers. The students had the opportunity to dance up on the stage. They looked so incredibly happy! It was like we had our own little recital for each class. After we were done, I gave each student a sticker and i bought them treats of either fruit snacks or suckers. A few of the girls will continue on to the second session, but for many of them that was their last dance class for summer. I was showered in hugs and thank yous from both the students and the parents. It felt amazing! Tonight, I will finish up class with the Jazz/Hip Hop girls and the Adult Modern class. I have really enjoyed teaching both of these classes and they have taught me a lot! I can’t wait to get the second session started and meet my students.

I also put out and collected quite a few questionnaires. I will work on typing up the results this weekend so that we can start deciphering the strengths and weaknesses of both the program and my instruction. I’m looking forward to reading both the good and the bad.

Interesting. I was trying to upload another picture, but it says that I have filled my storage quota. I will work on figuring out what that means! Until next time!

Today marks the first day of the last week of the first session. It is bittersweet. Several students have decided to stay and dance again for the second session, but not all. I am excited for the second session to get started, but also nervous because I want to provide my continuing students with new and exciting material without overwhelming my new students.  I am learning a lot about my teaching style, more specifically classroom management. I am struggling with particular students that distract the rest of the class, especially one who has tends to have an attitude. This is the only thing that is bringing me down. Otherwise, I am really enjoying both my experience as a summer dance teacher and in the town of Land O’ Lakes. I just can’t get enough fresh air! I am also very excited to report that since it is the last week, the questionnaires have been put out and those involved are able to fill them out. I’m looking forward to reading people’s comments, both positive and negative, to improve both the program and my skills as an individual! Hope everyone else is finding great things through their summer research! Can’t wait to see all of the results!

Hey Everyone,

Happy 4th of July! I apologize that it’s been awhile since the last post, but I have a lot to report. Last week Monday, June 27, was the first day of classes for the summer dance program. It kicked off with a Creative Movement class with 11 3-4 year olds and it went great! The second class in the session was a Ballet/Tap for 5-7 year olds. Though this class didn’t run as smoothly as the first class, it was still nice to get started and get introduced to the students. One of the biggest lessons that I’ve learned so far during this first week of class is how important it is to be prepared for anything and to be sure that you have extra material. Prior to the LOLA Summer Dance Program, I have taught dance for the City of Whitewater Park and Rec Dance Program, but am not used to such an array of different ages and skill level. After my first day of class, I went home and prepared a lot more! To do this, I talked with my mentor, called up other friends and family who teach dance, and went back to the books that were supplied to me from my mentor. I spend each morning making sure that my music is gathered, dancing through combinations, choreographing, and preparing for class. My students range in age from 3-55 and I want to be sure that I am able to reach them all with my teaching style. I am attaching pictures of some of my supplies for class, the space in which I teach (you can see how we laid down a linoleum floor for tap), and some wildlife that I witnessed right in my font yard! I had a scare when I saw metal cut-outs of a mama with two cubs, but luckily I haven’t encountered any bears yet. Keep your fingers crossed! Until next time! Comment with questions about anything! Enjoy